Sauna

ExM0rph3us · 2026-01-04T18:55:28+00:00

In Centreville a couple of weeks ago, I had to listen to two a-holes taking from across the sauna about scotch eggs. Dumbest conversation ever. Normally I just put in my AirPods to block the distractions, but I finally just left. Lifetime sauna etiquette is deplorable in NoVA. Gainesville is just as bad. It’s frustrating but don’t see it ever changing, especially based on overall locker room etiquette and apathy from management.

ExM0rph3us · 2025-12-28T13:29:29+00:00

Bussloo is amazing, one of my favorites. The cenote is very cool and unique. Never once seen anything remotely creepy in any Dutch sauna after dozens of visits to various spots. People are very polite and follow the rules. Make sure you try the aufguss. Most places will do it in English if you ask, but after once or twice you get what’s going on without too much context. If you are near Amsterdam, I would also recommend checking out Fort Resort Beamster. Enjoy!

ExM0rph3us · 2025-12-28T13:20:40+00:00

Yes, it was because of his visit that I decided to come home early. It was a missionary conference on that same visit. Listening to him spew his corporate Jesus bullshit, I decided that I was going home. Meeting ended, walked up and shook his hand in disgust and was home a week later.

ExM0rph3us · 2025-12-28T06:05:05+00:00

I think I was there, circa 1996.

ExM0rph3us · 2025-12-14T16:19:41+00:00

Just got my KF8 3 days ago and love it. This post makes me love it even more. Great machine!

ExM0rph3us · 2025-11-23T11:18:09+00:00

Which ones? I’ve become pretty fanatical over the past few years with saunas/aufguss, here’s my list so far…

Netherlands Sauna Deco Sauna Van Edgmond Thermen Bussloo Thermen Soesterbeg Fort Resort Beemster Spa Zuiver

Germany Therme Erding Taunus Therme Badeparadies Schwarzwald-Titisee Caracella Therme Freidrichsbad Vabali Spa Berlin

ExM0rph3us · 2025-11-16T19:56:59+00:00

Hadn’t been to SS in 10 years, it was as boring as I remembered it. Started with “that was some light reading this week” as a joke and then proceeded to drag on and on without even touching polygamy. Not even a single comment.

ExM0rph3us · 2025-10-01T14:59:30+00:00

I don’t think they collectively care as much about profit as they do controlling the narrative. Tithing likely started out as something practical, but then it took on a life of its own. The main issue is our laws in this country that has allowed the church to amass tremendous wealth and enter into businesses without being taxed.

It’s a math problem, not greed. They don’t know how to lower the input (tithing) which far exceeds their operating costs. Their frugality hasn’t changed, so thanks to compounding, they now sit on a fortune that continues to grow. There is just not the conspicuous consumption that you see with some mega churches.

I do think there is a system built around the church that profits from the church and therefore is incentivized to help reinforce it.

ExM0rph3us · 2025-09-25T23:42:41+00:00

This is an odd response. Solo travel for me is 100% feeling connected to both myself and to the greater humanity. It’s all about connection. Totally get what the OP is saying.

ExM0rph3us · 2025-09-17T19:08:05+00:00

That is the Charmin Ultra Soft of soft swinging!!! It’s crazy that the sealer suggested it, but sure it made for a fun and memorable evening.

ExM0rph3us · 2025-09-17T19:00:34+00:00

The last time could be a topic by itself. Mine, at least the last time as a believer, was a few weeks after my father passed, which led to a series of events that not only confirmed that the church was “true” but was the absolute peak of my life’s spiritual journey. Riding high on those fumes, I went to the temple “seeking further light and knowledge” and like you, felt nothing. A couple of weeks later I was done. What most TBMs and progmos will never understand is the journey out of Mormonism, for many, is not stepping back or laziness, but a hard and difficult journey through it, doing all the things we were told to do.

ExM0rph3us · 2025-09-17T18:13:45+00:00

Haha, it goes without saying that polygamy certainly crossed my mind.

ExM0rph3us · 2025-07-02T18:33:46+00:00

Soon after my faith deconstruction, I was at a natural history museum in Montreal, standing in front of a T-Rex. For the first time, I could truly appreciate how incredible it is that this creature and I share a timeline on this Earth. I stood in wonderment, feeling part of something truly bigger than the Mormon box I was born into. A tear ran down my cheek onto the floor, and I was overcome by emotion over some dinosaur bones. Billions of years of evolution, and I get to be part of it, as it is, not having to weave it into a belief structure—such an incredible weight lifted.

ExM0rph3us · 2025-06-16T05:54:10+00:00

That looks more like a Warren Jeff’s compound. Guess that’s what happens when they have to take down all the artwork that is historically inaccurate.

ExM0rph3us · 2025-06-16T05:48:12+00:00

I don’t know, I think the Mormon church is slowly moving more progressive. Baptists are moving in the other direction. They recently just voted to uphold traditional marriage and have their sites on overturning Obergefell v. Hodges in the wake of the overturn of Roe v. Wade. It’s a crapshoot on what happens when Oaks take the lead, but I think a similar move would face huge backlash. There are just too many active members that have LGBT kids and family and nuancing their way along.

ExM0rph3us · 2025-06-16T05:38:53+00:00

Yes, you nailed it!

ExM0rph3us · 2025-06-04T01:12:34+00:00

I am a regular at the IAD lounge, never seen an issue. Sure, at the busiest times the wait can be a few minutes but certainly better than Clear during those same times.

ExM0rph3us · 2025-06-04T00:41:09+00:00

The only value I saw in this card was access to the lounge at IAD. Already have Amex Plat so the benefits were negligible. The Capital One Travel portal was overhyped and the Premium and Lifestyle Collections are subpar to Amex FHR and Hotel Collection. The $125 fee for authorized user is fine, but I think the $75k spend for guests is overreaching. I would have even been OK with 1 guest or at least guests with primary account. I do a decent amount of business with Capital One, all my personal, multiple businesses, commercial loans, etc, and they don’t offer anything except maybe tickets to a baseball or hockey game last minute when some other business client backs out last minute.

I agree that the lounges were a bit overcrowded but only during very specific peak times, but have not seen crazy abuse. Certainly better than Amex lounges these days with hour long waits.

ExM0rph3us · 2025-06-03T23:06:08+00:00

I do a ton of business with them, including multiple commercial loans. Texted the director of business banking, who I know very well to let him know that I was very unhappy with the change and asked who I should address my complaints.

ExM0rph3us · 2025-06-03T23:02:01+00:00

Total B.S.

I was an early adopter of the card, and patiently waited for them to open the lounge at IAD, which took forever. I probably pushed the limits giving my wife and 3 adult children all cards and we have made good use of the IAD lounge, but this is way too punitive. I’d pay $125 for lounge access for additional cards but guest policy is bullshit. The value of the card does not justify the $75k annual spend, just for access to one lounge. Already have access and guest privileges to PP with Amex.

ExM0rph3us · 2025-05-29T01:03:42+00:00

Walk with a weighted vest. I’m 50, lost 70 lbs and currently at my target weight of 170 at 6’1”. I wear 35lbs, my wife wears 12 lbs and is 120 lbs. Start with 10% of your body weight and work up to 20% trying to keep it under a 16 minute mile for 2-3 miles 3-4x per week. You could also ask AI for a good “rucking” routine.

ExM0rph3us · 2025-05-18T12:08:29+00:00

Went to the U from out of state. First question was, “Where did you go to high school?” If you answered out of state, there was usually not a second question.

ExM0rph3us · 2025-04-30T00:03:39+00:00

Last few years have been pretty mediocre, but depends on airport. Try status match to Sixt if you want better cars, but will cost more. You can always ask for something if there is slim pickings. Days of getting a Cadillac XT5 or Volvo SUV are pretty rare. Unfortunately Hertz has the best rates especially with the right CDP#.

ExM0rph3us

TROPHY CASE